Wait I'm confused... are you saying unemployment is supposed to make people NOT want to work? That doesn't make sense. Everyone I know on unemployment is desperately trying to find jobs. The benefits barely cover anything and there's all these requirements you have to meet.

The whole 'moral hazard' argument is mostly conservative BS if you ask me. I was on unemployment for 8 months during the recession and trust me, those benefits don't make life comfortable enough that anyone would choose to stay on them. The real issue is that there aren't enough good paying jobs, not that unemployment benefits are too generous.

The real consequence is how the system treats you like a criminal for needing help. Having to prove every week that you're actually looking for work, dealing with adjudication delays when there's some minor issue with your claim, getting threatened with overpayment notices... it's dehumanizing. And then they wonder why people get discouraged.

just want to add that if you do get a job offer while still on benefits make sure you understand how it affects your claim. i almost screwed up my last few weeks of benefits because i didn't report some part time work correctly

Don't forget about the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program if you get selected. It's mandatory but they provide personalized job search assistance and can connect you to additional resources. Also, if you're thinking about starting your own business, look into the Self-Employment Assistance Program - you can use your unemployment benefits to support yourself while getting a business off the ground.

make sure ur keeping detailed records of everything!! job search log, any training you do, correspondence with employers. if they ever audit your claim you want to have everything documented

If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone to ask questions about your eligibility, I found this service called Claimyr that actually gets you connected to a real agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. I was stuck trying to reach someone for days until I used their service and got through in like 20 minutes. Really helped me understand my claim status and what I needed to do next.

Same boat as you last year! Unemployment insurance benefit basically replaces part of your lost income while you search for work. Think of it as temporary financial assistance that you earned through working. The key things to remember: file immediately, be honest about your job search, and keep detailed records of where you apply. NYS Department of Labor will send you information about job search requirements once your claim is processed.

I had a really hard time getting through to anyone at NYS Department of Labor to even ask about this stuff. Spent weeks calling and getting disconnected. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me actually reach a live agent who could explain all the different benefit programs. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Made the whole process so much easier than trying to navigate the phone system myself.

Just want to add that even though you cant get unemployment for maternity leave, if you lose your job while pregnant (like layoffs or company closure) you CAN still get regular UI benefits as long as you're able to work. I was 6 months pregnant when I got laid off and NYS Department of Labor approved my claim no problem. The key is being able and available for work.